We have learned that you intend to appear on 28 March in the Smolarz auditorium at Tel Aviv University to perform your cult show “Elles s’aiment”. No doubt the funny repartee and the two strong characters portrayed would amuse the audience. However, we wish to tell you about the cultural, historical and political context in which you would be performing because, unfortunately, in this part of the world it’s impossible to separate entertainment from politics.

The university in which you would be performing is built on the ruins of the Palestinian village of Sheikh Muwannis, destroyed in 1948. The “Green House”, the home of the former mayor of Sheikh Muwannis, is one of the few original buildings still standing, and is now used as a restaurant for university staff. Tel Aviv University strongly objected to the placing of a plaque on the Green House, explaining its origin.

The Israeli government continues to ignore international conventions regarding an occupied country, it seriously harms the Palestinian economy through the restriction of movement by means of checkpoints and segregated roads, through the confiscation of water, and through extreme security measures. In Jerusalem numerous homes are regularly demolished, in Gaza an illegal blocade is suffocating the population, depriving it of its most basic needs.

Michèle Laroque, you stated to the Parisien newspaper in a 2010 interview: “In the United States, a woman, who works between Israel and Palestine, has a theory that, as long as fear prevents one from living, it makes peace impossible. It’s never-ending. I’d like so much for us to make each other laugh.” What makes peace impossible is the never-ending colonisation by the Israeli government, in spite of countless UN resolutions on the subject. As for making people laugh, the Palestinians aren’t allowed to move around in Israel and wouldn’t be able to enjoy your sketches.

Inspired by the anti-apartheid struggle in South Africa, the Palestinians in 2005 launched an international appeal for solidarity, for the boycott of Israel until that state puts an end to its injustice and respects international law and human rights. Their appeal has been heard by thousands of celebrities and ordinary people around the world, including in Israel.

You are both socially committed women, whether it be through your regular participation in the Enfoirés shows or your activities involving children. In the name of solidarity, justice and equality, in the name of the Palestinian people, we ask you to cancel your performance in Tel Aviv. Please don’t entertain apartheid!

We are of course at your disposal should you wish to have information on the international BDS campaign (Boycott-Divestment-Sanctions).